Save Money And Design The Baby Room Yourself

When a baby is on the way, stress is high. There is no end to your preparations and even more so, the cost of those preparations. The house will be shifted around and equipment will be purchased as you prepare for a couple of decades of worry, poverty and anxiety. Of course I am exaggerating here. The arrival of the baby will be the most beautiful thing that has happened in your life yet, but all new parents are crippled with the thoughts of what’s to come. One thing is certain, babies cost money. Not all at once, but over the course of time, this growing, new human will certainly set you back a couple of bucks. Your first big expense will be designing and building the new baby room, but if you do it all yourself, you’ll save a ton of money!

Know what you want

Know what you want

 

 

Never go into a big project without a clear idea of what you want the final product to look like. Sure, your vision will evolve, and during the process, you’ll get ideas, but before you spend a cent at the store, have a plan. You know you’ll need a crib and a changing table, but after that, your imagination will be your window into the perfect room. Think of props or paint colors. Many parents choose colors based on whether or not the baby is going to be a boy or a girl. I’m not terribly fond of this practice, but that’s just me. After you have a color scheme, think about the props you want. Think soft, educational, and too big to put in your mouth. If you need ideas on building materials or on how to build pieces of your new baby room, go to either grommet hole punch or
http://thediyoutlet.com and peruse the wisdom bestowed upon you from the internet! DIY sites like these and others are great resources for any do-it-yourselfer.

Execute your plan

Execute your plan

 

Okay, you have a detailed idea of what you want your baby room to look like. You have all your supplies, maybe even a blue print for a crib or that changing table. Now all you have to do is put everything together. Simple, right? Wrong. However, this is the price you pay for saving money and doing it yourself. DIY projects are often learning processes, so don’t get frustrated right off the bat. Make sure to take your time and stick to your plan and before you know it, you’ll have the baby room of your dream. Whenever I plan a big DIY project, I turn it into a DIWF (with friends) project. That way, I get the best input from the people I trust most.

DIYOutlet3-3

This is a good strategy when you know that there’s a lot of work to be done. It will probably cost you a few beers or some pizza, but in the long run, it is worth it.

~TheDIYOutlet.com 

Printable 4th of July Banner

$1.99 On Our Etsy Shop!

$1.99 On Our Etsy Shop! Click image to buy & print

Just print, cut + hang! Download this adorable Stars & Stripes Patriotic Banner to print it at home. Each letter prints on an 8.5×11 piece of paper. It’s an easy addition to any 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day or Patriotic themed celebration.

Comes with 10 triangles, print more copies to make it as long as you’d like!

Colors: Red, white and blue

DIY Guide:

Supplies:

*Printable banner (download after purchase)
*Hole punch
*String
*Tape

Steps:

1) Download + print the banner (print each page on 8.5 x 11 paper in color)
2) Cut out each triangle (10 triangles, print more copies to make it as long as you’d like)
3) Hole punch two holes at the top corners of each triangle
4) Measure + cut string so that it goes through all triangles with enough extra room on either side to hang
5) Run string through each hole and hang banner

Photos: Summer Party Inspiration

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Outdoor party ideas! We scoured the web to find a photos to help inspire your summer entertaining. Check out more inspiration and how-to guides for the photos featured at the websites below.

 

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Vintage Garage 5.18

Vintage Garage

Vintage Garage


5051 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60040
847-579-0979
www.vintagegaragechicago.com
Admission: $5.00

The Vintage Garage invites all to come celebrate the wonders of Mid Century Modern by attending the popular Vintage Garage May 18th from 10 to 5. Vendors have been saving their best Mid Century for the show and for those who aren’t into MCM there will be a great mix of vintage in all categories ready to go!

 

This vintage, antiques and collectibles extravaganza takes place at the Vintage Garage, 5051 N. Broadway, Chicago on the 3rd Sunday of each month through October. Vintage lovers will also enjoy the area’s great “Little Asia” area for great restaurants as well as Andersonville for more vintage shopping. Easy access from the Red Line at Argyle.


The summer dates include May 18th, June 15th, July 20th, August 17th, September 21st and October 19th. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. More information can be found at www.vintagegaragechicago.com or by calling 847-607-1087.

BAM! Chicago’s Antique Department Store Sale 5.16-5.26

BAM

BAM

BAM!  Chicago’s Antique Department Store drastically discounts the very best in Vintage Jewelry, Fashions, Furniture & Decorative Objects.  Art Deco, Mid Century Modern thru 70’s.

When: Sale runs May 16th thru 26th .
Sale: 15% to 50% Off Storewide. 
Where: Broadway Antique Market
6130 N. Broadway
Hours: Open Daily, 11 to 7.  Sunday, 11 to 6.

 

Bam

Bam